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The Rolling Thunder
Sheen Guide

From Flat to Gloss -
Halifax's Fine Finish Breakdown

You've picked the perfect colour. The lighting's dialed in.

But now they're asking about sheen - flat, eggshell, pearl? If you're not quite sure what the difference is, or why it matters, you're not alone. The sheen you choose can be the difference between a fierce finish - and a frustrating finale.

Let's break them down

  • Flat

No shine, hides imperfections

The go-to for ceilings. Great for surfaces where durability doesn't matter, but a soft, smooth look does.

  • Matte

Minimal shine, light durability

Offers a slightly more refined look. A touch more durable than flat, this sheen is perfect for light-use rooms like adult bedrooms, offices, or elegant dining rooms.

  • Eggshell

Soft glow, strong performance

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The standard for most interior walls. Nestled between beauty and durability, this sheen can handle the day-to-day wear-and-tear of spaces like living rooms and hallways.

  • Pearl

Subtle shine, increased durability

The middle ground between eggshell and satin. Great for when you want more durability than eggshell without the extra shine, and places prone to moisture like bathrooms and laundry rooms. 

  • Satin

Gentle shine, increased washability

Durable and elegant with a noticeable - but not overpowering - sheen. Easier to clean. Great for high-traffic areas, or spaces prone to a bit more mess - think mud rooms, entryways, and and stairways.

  • Semi-Gloss

Bright, bold, durable

Semi-gloss bounces light and resists wear-and-tear. The ultimate in washability. Ideal for trim, doors, cabinetry and any other surface that sees a lot of hands, feet and décor.

  • Gloss/High-Gloss

Maximum shine, maximum drama

Offers a mirror-like finish that commands attention. Best used sparingly on accent pieces. Think fine cabinetry, or the boldest of front doors.

From soft and subtle to bold and brilliant, every sheen brings it's own storm. The right sheen doesn't just change the look of your space - it changes the whole feel. At Rolling Thunder, we don't just paint, we fine tune your finish so every room hits exactly the right notes. Whether you're chasing calm clouds, or a shine like a flash of lightning, we'll help you make a choice that strikes the balance between style, strength, and shine.

Now you know about sheen, but do you know about the Power of Lighting? Follow the link for more

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